Discover EV-friendly Scenic Drives in Siskiyou

By 2030, California hopes to have five million emission-free cars on the road, which means totally guilt-free road trips! But with a current average range of about 100 miles between charging stations, traveling off-the-beaten path in rural areas can be a bit challenging. Not in Siskiyou! We’re removing the stress by putting together some scenic drives with the needs of electric vehicles in mind, that still leverage the wild beauty California’s north has to offer! Here are a few of our favorites.

Dunsmuir:

Yreka:

Chargepoint – Carl’s Jr. @ 1868 Fort Jones Rd, Yreka, CA 96097

DRIVE ROUTES:

Killer Views of Mt. Shasta (Everitt Memorial Highway Loop)

One of the best ways to “see” Mt. Shasta. A two-lane, 14-mile scenic route that travels up the southwest side of the mountain. From the Visitors Bureau, go east on Lake Street until the road curves to the left and becomes Everitt Memorial Highway. Then, you’re on your way! Just loop back to Mount Shasta to recharge.

Waterfalls Tour (McCloud River Loop)

South Siskiyou has some amazing waterfalls that you can basically drive right up to – not to mention four that you can visit in under an hour! Starting from nearby Dunsmuir, make your way to Hedge Creek Falls. There’s parking just off the freeway, and a short 5-minute walk will lead you to a scenic 30-foot cataract you can stand behind. Next, head north on Interstate 5 and east on highway 89 toward McCloud. Follow signs for the McCloud River Loop, an easy paved loop that will take you to three gorgeous waterfalls on the wild and scenic McCloud River. Then head back to Mount Shasta to plug in and chill out!

Drive & Hike Mountain Lakes Tour:

Just a few miles outside of Mount Shasta, head to Lake Siskiyou, where you can always park and enjoy a walk along the path surrounding it. Then head up paved Castle Lake Road, usually open from Memorial Day until winter snowfall, and you’ll dead-end right into Castle Lake, relax with a picnic or take the trailhead for the beautiful hike to a third mountain lake known as Heart Lake, one of the most instagrammable spots in Siskiyou.

Historic Town & Bridge Drive (Jefferson State Scenic Byway 263 Loop)

The mighty Klamath River is the second largest river in California and has carved steep, scenic canyons in much of western Siskiyou. For some dramatic views and a taste of the region’s scenic bridges, head north out of Yreka on 263, eventually following signs back to Interstate 5. From there head south back to Yreka, being treated to a jaw dropping view point of Mt. Shasta on your return!

Foodie & Farmland Drive (Scott Valley Loop)

For a little taste of the Swiss Alps, head south on Highway 3 from Yreka through the quaint small towns of Ft. Jones and Etna, with a number of culinary options with locally-sourced food, beer and spirits along the way. From Etna, continue south on Highway 3 past the charming, tiny town of Callahan, following signs to Weed/Gazelle for some incredibly dramatic views of Mt. Shasta along the way to Weed. Once you hit Interstate 5, head either north back to Yreka or south to Mount Shasta or Dunsmuir.

Book your trip today and get ready to travel through the rural roads of Siskiyou in your electric vehicle!

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By 2030, California hopes to have five million emission-free cars on the road, which means totally guilt-free road trips! But with a current average range of about 100 miles between charging stations, traveling off-the-beaten path in rural areas can be a bit challenging. Not in Siskiyou! We’re removing the stress by putting together some scenic drives with the needs of electric vehicles in mind, that still leverage the wild beauty California’s north has to offer! Here are a few of our favorites.

Dunsmuir:

Yreka:

Chargepoint – Carl’s Jr. @ 1868 Fort Jones Rd, Yreka, CA 96097

DRIVE ROUTES:

Killer Views of Mt. Shasta (Everitt Memorial Highway Loop)

One of the best ways to “see” Mt. Shasta. A two-lane, 14-mile scenic route that travels up the southwest side of the mountain. From the Visitors Bureau, go east on Lake Street until the road curves to the left and becomes Everitt Memorial Highway. Then, you’re on your way! Just loop back to Mount Shasta to recharge.

Waterfalls Tour (McCloud River Loop)

South Siskiyou has some amazing waterfalls that you can basically drive right up to – not to mention four that you can visit in under an hour! Starting from nearby Dunsmuir, make your way to Hedge Creek Falls. There’s parking just off the freeway, and a short 5-minute walk will lead you to a scenic 30-foot cataract you can stand behind. Next, head north on Interstate 5 and east on highway 89 toward McCloud. Follow signs for the McCloud River Loop, an easy paved loop that will take you to three gorgeous waterfalls on the wild and scenic McCloud River. Then head back to Mount Shasta to plug in and chill out!

Drive & Hike Mountain Lakes Tour:

Just a few miles outside of Mount Shasta, head to Lake Siskiyou, where you can always park and enjoy a walk along the path surrounding it. Then head up paved Castle Lake Road, usually open from Memorial Day until winter snowfall, and you’ll dead-end right into Castle Lake, relax with a picnic or take the trailhead for the beautiful hike to a third mountain lake known as Heart Lake, one of the most instagrammable spots in Siskiyou.

Historic Town & Bridge Drive (Jefferson State Scenic Byway 263 Loop)

The mighty Klamath River is the second largest river in California and has carved steep, scenic canyons in much of western Siskiyou. For some dramatic views and a taste of the region’s scenic bridges, head north out of Yreka on 263, eventually following signs back to Interstate 5. From there head south back to Yreka, being treated to a jaw dropping view point of Mt. Shasta on your return!

Foodie & Farmland Drive (Scott Valley Loop)

For a little taste of the Swiss Alps, head south on Highway 3 from Yreka through the quaint small towns of Ft. Jones and Etna, with a number of culinary options with locally-sourced food, beer and spirits along the way. From Etna, continue south on Highway 3 past the charming, tiny town of Callahan, following signs to Weed/Gazelle for some incredibly dramatic views of Mt. Shasta along the way to Weed. Once you hit Interstate 5, head either north back to Yreka or south to Mount Shasta or Dunsmuir.

Book your trip today and get ready to travel through the rural roads of Siskiyou in your electric vehicle!